Election season officially begins for local races

May 20 was the final day to file for public offices up for election on November's ballot. Races with more than two candidates will have a primary in August, where the top two candidates will advance to the general election.

May 20 was the final day to file for public offices up for election on November’s ballot. Races with more than two candidates will have a primary in August, where the top two candidates will advance to the general election.

On first mention, next to their party affiliation will be their total campaign finances raised according to the state Public Disclosure Commission as of May 23. Some candidate’s earnings are not available either due to not having filed yet or opting to fund their campaigns through small donations.

Long-time First District (Bothell and north Kirkland) state Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe (D) will not be seeking reelection, opening up the race to three challengers.

“I appreciate the support of my community over the past 23 years,” McAuliffe stated in a release during April. “It is now time to come home and be with friends and family, and with my husband Jim. I am excited about future plans, whatever they may be. It has truly been an honor to serve.”

Guy Palumbo (D, $51,250.69), current House Rep. Luis Moscoso (D, $7,227 for Senate and $22,958.25 for House race) and Mindie Wirth (R, $15,250) to campaign for the position.

“I’m excited to bring my private sector experience to the table to provide north King and South Snohomish with some much needed relief,” said Palumbo in a release.

“My goal is to ensure a bright future for the First Legislative District and Washington State,” Moscoso states on his website. “That’s the focus I will bring to the state Senate.”